Product Articles

Philip West from Spanwall discusses the future of facades and how technology and legislation have created a new set of design expectations throughout the industry In the wake of unprecedented change, manufacturing firms across the globe are being forced to... View Article

Sustainability needs to encompass long-term durability factors in addition to embodied energy to provide an accurate picture. Keith Aldis of BDA (Brick Development Association) explains how achieving this bolsters the eco case for brick When considering the materials that may... View Article

Kelly Westwood from Knauf Insulation discusses the critical need to combine fire safety and sustainability in buildings of the future COP26 in Glasgow brought a renewed focus and urgency to the long-term sustainability of the built environment. This is reflected... View Article

The importance of ventilation and ensuring a healthy and comfortable interior environment is an essential part of building design. Andy Moul from Construction Specialties (CS) looks at factors which need to be taken into consideration when specifying external louvres as part... View Article

David Atkinson at Metsec explores why harnessing digitalisation and lightweight steel framing can maximise the benefits of MMC as the industry pursues its various goals The UK construction industry faces a challenge to improve the availability, quality and affordability of... View Article

Sourcing bricks and roof tiles for period renovations are a challenge for architects looking to balance aesthetic appeal, regulatory compliance, and heritage requirements. Nigel Dyer of Wienerberger proposes an alternative to reclaimed products External brickwork and roof tiles are critical... View Article

The glazing industry, like many others, faced unprecedented issues with availability of materials and extending lead times during 2021. David Clarke of ID Systems explains why these challenges are likely to continue for the foreseeable future The Covid-19 pandemic saw... View Article

Cath McLean of Promat UK gives a technical breakdown on why the latest generation of fire resistant glazing allows internal glass elements to be designed to deliver multiple performance benefits – without compromising safety Creating safe buildings is an absolute... View Article

With climate change at the forefront of everyone’s mind, Natalie Goodridge of Lamilux UK looks at how buildings and their components – such as skylights – need to be futureproofed and designed to withstand extreme weather events Residential, industrial and... View Article

Whether you favour open plan living or more defined living spaces, most building users are fans of natural light. Susan Sinden from ESG looks at some clever ways to allow maximum light and best use of space, by using switchable... View Article

As a SuDS expert, Chris Griffiths of Marshalls explains why he is committed to bringing the approach into schemes using porous solutions to manage surface water in an increasingly challenging environmental context The latest State of the UK Climate report... View Article

Julian Thurbin of modular green roof solutions supplier Wallbarn discusses the issues around ensuring fire performance of ‘living’ roofs and how to achieve compliance A key consideration for architects working on green roof projects has always been the load-bearing capability... View Article

Will Wigfield from Rockwool shares best practice advice on how to limit fire risk in flat roof constructions, and explains the limitations of current testing protocols for flat roof insulation While flat roofs have long been used to house plant... View Article

Tom Wright of George Barnsdale explores the use of timber in ‘minimalist’ designs “We must recognise the importance of timber in overcoming our climate challenge,” David Warburton wrote to his fellow MPs recently. On paper, politicians are making the right... View Article

Steve Griffiths of Taylor Lane Timber Frame and the Structural Timber Association looks at the latest developments on fire test data in the timber frame industry, post-Grenfell For many years, the construction industry – not least the timber frame sector –... View Article

Improving the thermal performance of the building envelope is central to the drive for sustainability, energy efficiency and meeting the criteria for the impending Future Homes Standard. Simon Hill of Schöck considers the issues involved Critical to improving the thermal... View Article

Projecting brickwork is a popular design feature on masonry building envelopes. However, the resulting inconsistent cavity depths can add complexity when ensuring structures’ passive fire protection – Graham Laws of Siderise Insulation explains more, and describes solutions Masonry finishes have... View Article

With Brexit closing the doors on many highly-skilled workers, Paul Richards of Aquarian Cladding Systems discusses the struggle to bring young people into the industry and why MMC techniques can provide a solution It’s no secret that the construction industry... View Article